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Chrome Niko Pack Camera Bag Review

We already know Chrome Industries makes some of the best messenger bags, backpacks, outerwear and utility gear for the urban cyclist, but what about their other offerings? Well, the folks at Chrome have expanded their line to include not only messenger bags, but also a variety of purpose built bags including laptop bags, utility bags and even camera bags.

I’ve had my Ranchero Backpack for over 5 ½ years now, putting it through the ringer day in and day out. My other bags from Chrome have held up just as well. So when given the opportunity to try out the Niko Camera Pack, I had some extremely high expectations.

The Niko Pack is the largest of Chrome’s camera bags. If you’re not looking to carry a bunch of gear, the Niko Messenger and Niko Sling are both great options too. However, I tend to carry a lot of gear so the Pack has been working out wonderfully…(much much more below)

Posted on 05/10/2013 by Brian • 2 Comments Filed Under: Reviews Tags: Chrome Bags, Chrome Niko Pack Camera Bag, Chrome Niko Review

Chrome Storm Field Jacket Review

A good rain jacket is one of those things that’s almost worth its weight in gold. For the last couple years, I’ve been wearing a breathable rain jacket that uses eVent technology – a somewhat porous fabric that allows your body heat to escape while still keeping you dry. While the technology is great, I’ve found it doesn’t hold up to serious downpours. So when I was given the opportunity to try out the Storm Field Jacket by Chrome there was no hesitation.

The jacket’s styling is inspired by a classic M65 field jacket yet packs a ton of modern features. Just like my previous rain jacket, the Storm Field is constructed using a breathable yet waterproof material with fully taped seams. The first weekend I wore this jacket, I was down in New York City for the Red Hook Crit and while the weather was nothing short of ideal on Saturday, it took a turn for the worse come Sunday. Hunt and were staying in the LES but our car was parked out in Park Slope. Plus, it was pouring out and I’d just pulled the fenders off my bike for the trip (like a fool). Luckily, the Storm Field kept by upper body dry as a bone during our ride out to the parking garage. I also didn’t break much of a sweat! Read the rest below…

Posted on 04/25/2013 by Brian • 0 Comments Filed Under: Cycling Apparel, Reviews Tags: Chrome Bags, Chrome Storm Field, Jacket

Chrome Truk Pro Review

I’ll gotta admit it, I have a real affinity for SPD sneakers. After owning a couple pairs from other brands, I can confidently say that the Chrome Truk Pro shoes are a great contender among the numerous options out there. While these are probably my favorite looking of the bunch, there are a number of reasons as to why the Truk Pro’s have won me over.

Starting off, the all-black is right up my alley. Remember: you can’t go wrong with black on black on black. I also love how much the toe cab reminds me of PF-Flyers. At first, I didn’t think there was anything reflective on these shoes. Well, I was wrong. Take a look above the red logo and you’ll see the stealthy reflective strip going around the upper heel. A very nice touch indeed; something that I didn’t notice for the first few days…(much more below)

Posted on 04/17/2013 by Brian • 2 Comments Filed Under: Reviews Tags: Chrome Cycling Shoes, Chrome Truk Pro, SPD, SPD Sneakers

Doma Coffee: The Chronic & La Bicicletta

Two weeks ago I came home to an amazing care package from the kind folks at DOMA Coffee Roasting Company of Post Falls, Idaho. I couldn’t have been more excited; not only because I happened to be out of coffee, but also because it’d been a while since I’ve felt like making coffee since I get a pretty decent brew at work for free. I have a feeling I’ll be brewing at home much more often now.

All coffee from DOMA is certified organic and fair trade, including The Chronic and La Bicicletta blends. I’ve nearly finished off the pound of Chronic and it’s definitely up there with some of the best coffee I’ve had. No joke. Before I even opened up the mailer-package, my entire apartment already reeked of the “super dank” beans. I’m no coffee snob, but The Chronic is a very flavorful roast with a more dynamic taste than what I’m usually drinking. They describe it as having hints of cocoa and walnut, and I’m surely noticing the cocoa. If nothing else, the packaging is rad – I’m definitely keeping these letter-pressed bags for the cork board once I’m through.

Learn more about DOMA, their culture and the coffee on their site. Be sure to browse their variety of coffee blends too.

-B

Posted on 12/09/2012 by Brian • 0 Comments Filed Under: Photos, Reviews Tags: Coffee, DOMA Coffee Roasting Company, Product Review

Ignoble Marion Backpack Review

A few weeks back I got this Ignoble Marion backpack in the mail and immediately fell in love with its blending of function and simplicity. Up until recently, I’d never heard of Ignoble but am always one to support US-made gear when I can. Ignoble is a LA-based bag and backpack company that focuses on style-conscious and thoughtfully designed bags to tackle the urban environment both on and off the bike with their bags being produced at a military-grade level.

The Marion Tombs Backpack is an extremely light yet spacious pack, constructed of 200D Nylon with comfy shoulder pads and a large zippered main compartment. There are also a number of small stash pouches, organizers and a chest strap to help distribute the weight once fully-loaded. Speaking of which, this bag is all about volume with its ability to squeeze 29 liters of goods inside. At first glance, it may look a little too large to be for daily use. However, I’ve come to appreciate the extra space I’m usually left as it’s such a lightweight bag that I barely notice its size. Plus, I’ve been known to grab 6-ers on the way home from work and this bag leaves me just enough room for that and a loaf of bread (on top of all my other sundries). I’d recommend this bag to anyone, especially if you’re looking for a versatile pack that’s game for the urban commute, whether on bike or foot. Check out some detail shots of the Marion below and be sure to browse the rest of Ignoble Bags offerings on their site.

-B

Posted on 10/29/2012 by Brian • 0 Comments Filed Under: Cycling Products, Photos, Reviews Tags: Backpack, Bags, Ignoble Bags, Ignoble Marion Tombs Backpack, Product Review

Boombotix 2 Chain Gangsta Review

When the folks at folks at Boombotix sent me a Boombotix 2 wireless portable speaker I couldn’t have been more exited. I’d been talking about how awesome it’d be to have a portable radio/sound system with me while commuting or skating, and these guys were great enough to answer my prayers. At first I was a bit skeptical when I received this, thinking it wouldn’t be as loud as other online reviews had said. But after the Chain Gangsta tagged along with me all week, I can attest to its volume. This thing is very loud for its size. Loud enough whether you’re skating a mini ramp or battling with rush hour traffic. If you’re looking for even more volume, you have the option of buying a second and linking them via cable for twice the power. It’s also very light and compact, making it easy to always have loud tunes at quick access.

Standing at just over 3.5 inches, the Boombotix 2 is equipped with a 50mm driver and also has a small tweeter, to boot. It’s also got a nifty clip on the back which is perfect for attaching to your bag as you run errands. Plus, it’s so light you’ll barely notice it there. This particular speaker is wireless via Bluetooth and compatible with a bunch of devices including the iPhone, iPad, tablets and laptops. I love being able to keep my phone in my pocket or bag and not have to worry about wires. Oh yeah, you’ll also get a 1-year, no matter what, warranty with any Boombotix speaker. Get the full spec’s on their site and check out all the other varieties while you’re at it.

-B

Posted on 10/12/2012 by Brian • 0 Comments Filed Under: Photos, Reviews Tags: Boombotix 2, Chain Gangsta, Product Review, Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Chrome District Rolltop Backpack Review

This right here is the perfect day bag. I’ve been running the Chrome District backpack for a little over a month now and couldn’t be happier; it’s just the right size for your daily essentials. Plus, being that it’s a rolltop, you’ve always got spare room to squeeze those tall cans in on the way home.

Since I haven’t had internet at my place for the past two weeks, I’ve been bringing my laptop everywhere and the separate laptop sleeve accommodates my 15” Macbook with ease. I’ll also keep a pair of shoes, rain jacket, water bottle, small tool roll, u-lock, lights and a few miscellaneous goods in the District on the daily.

Read the rest of the review below and get a little more info at Chrome Industries. -B

Posted on 09/17/2012 by Brian • 0 Comments Filed Under: Reviews Tags: Backpack, Chrome Bags, Chrome District, Product Review, Rolltop Backpack

Chrome Victor Utility Bag Review

I’ve been running the Chrome Victor for about three weeks now and have been loving it. This is the perfect utility bag for those days when you only need to bring the essentials. The main pouch is big enough for most miniature u-locks, a multi-tool, a compact windbreaker, your wallet and maybe another small goodie. The phone pocket fits an iPhone perfectly, even with the separate neoprene case I’ve got. This USA made bag also features Chrome’s signature buckle with means to hold your D ring of keys (it also opens bottles quite well), reflective daisy chain mounting loops for a light or key ring, and is made 1000 denier cordura for the long haul. My keys are pictured inside the bag since I don’t appreciate the noise they make while riding.

If you only need to carry a couple things, the Victor is your answer. This bag will take what you’d normally try to stuff in your jeans and put it comfortably on your back. If you’re looking to carry more, I’d suggest a day pack or sorts since this little guy fills up quickly. Check out a few more details of the new Victor utility bag by Chrome Industries below.

-B

Posted on 09/04/2012 by Brian • 0 Comments Filed Under: Cycling Products, Reviews Tags: Chrome Bags, Chrome Victor, Product Review, Utility Bag

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